Church Update

The Church makes it clear: No guns in its meetinghouses

The following is excerpted from the Salt Lake Tribune. To read the full article, CLICK HERE.

If ever there were a question about its stance toward guns in meetinghouses, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has removed all doubt: Unlike visitors, firearms are not only not welcome, they are strictly forbidden.

In fact, the Utah-based faith now “prohibits” all “lethal weapons” from its properties, unless carried by current law enforcement officers. Previously, the church deemed it merely “inappropriate” to have firearms in its buildings.

On Monday, church spokesman Daniel Woodruff confirmed that stricter wording had been added to Handbook 2, an instruction manual for local lay leaders, and is posted online for members and nonmembers to read.

“Churches are dedicated for the worship of God and as havens from the cares and concerns of the world,” the new firearms policy states. “With the exception of current law enforcement officers, the carrying of lethal weapons on church property, concealed or otherwise, is prohibited.”

The handbook update took effect the first week of August, Woodruff said.

George ThompsonSeptember 3, 2019

I personally don't carry and don't intend to. At the same time, I feel much safer in any location that allows the people to carry. The cowards that want to shoot innocent people tend to run if someone starts shooting back. They also tend to go for the softest targets like schools. This policy puts us right up there with schools. I am slowly coming to grips with this. There may be some good reason for the policy change that I don't see now. I will follow the prophet.

Rick in VirginiaSeptember 2, 2019

Some of our members may be law enforcement officers and therefore authorized to carry weapons in church. Crazies enter at your own risk!